The first female Secretary of State was Madeleine Albright.

She served under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at that time. Albright played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during her tenure, addressing various global issues, including NATO expansion, the Balkan conflicts, and relations with Russia. Her leadership and influence marked a significant milestone for women in politics and paved the way for future female leaders in government.